NAVY MARAE'S 20TH BIRTHDAY
It was approved, but it would take another 12 years before fruition. In the meantime, Iwi Hēramana established its own Rūnanga; and spurred by external influences, the Navy established its first Bi-Cultural Committee, whose founding members included Rear Admiral Jack Welch, Chief of Naval Staff. In the mid-nineties, two buildings were placed on the site chosen by LTCDR Hutton, to become the Wharanui – Te Whetu Moana and the Wharekai – Hinemoana, of Te Taua Moana marae. They traditionally face east, to welcome the sunrise and look out to the sacred land marks of the area. On 15 April, 2000, the late Māori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikāhu, opened the marae. Navy kaumātua Kairo McLean opened his whaikorero with this whakatauki – Te ohonga ake i te moemoea, ko te puāwaitanga o ngā whakaaro – Dreams become reality when we take action. The proverb acknowledged both the dreams of Māori sailors over the previous 40 years, and the actions taken by successive generations to fulfil those dreams. Hui with local and surrounding iwi had been held to advise intentions, discuss plans, and invite representatives to take part in the traditional dawn ceremony. At the formal Naval ceremony held later that day, one group raised concerns about what they perceived was a lack of consultation, particularly around the choice to honour the marae as nga hau e whā. However, the kaupapa was strengthened by this, as sailors, officers and their extended whānau responded by standing in unity and singing in worship, maintaining the overall integrity of the day. In the speeches that followed, the significance of the matter was not lost, affording mana to the marae and its people. The COVID-19 lockdown over April has meant a ‘21st’ celebration is contemplated for 2021.
Privileged to Speak Ordinary Steward Teaukutai Cook, 18, says it was one of the highlights of his life to give a speech in Te Reo on behalf of his class, BCT 20/01, at Te Taua Moana. It was the second welcome for OSTD Cook at the Navy marae, as he had undertaken a three-day Defence Force recruitment course before joining the Royal New Zealand Navy at the start of 2020. Back then, he was a teenager contemplating his choices, and he liked what he found when he was welcomed to the marae. He was familiar with marae protocol, with parents from Hokianga in the Far North and Ihumātao, Auckland. “I’ve spoken quite a few times on a marae, but this felt pretty life-changing. It was like knowing what I was getting into, had a lot of connection to my Māori culture. The Navy really care about it. That was what was going
through my head. They knew what they were talking about, they had their procedures in place, and it was really comfortable.” The experience helped him with his choice of service. “I’m proud of myself for speaking. It was a privilege to have that opportunity.” OSTD Cook says his father had been dropping hints for a long time to consider a career in the Defence Force. He says he had a vague life plan mapped out, but he agreed to try the three-day course. His mother worked hard with him on his applications, both for the course and later for the Navy. “Once you experience what it’s like, you find that there’s a lot of things that are unseen about the Defence Force. People think they are going to drill you, smash you, get you fit. But I realise now, this is career-building. I can get a career, get a trade, get a name for myself.”
Glossary Hui – gathering
Tikanga – customs
Iwi – tribe
Tuakana – Teina – elder-younger sibling type relationship
Kapa Haka – traditional performing artists Karakia – prayer Kaumatua – elder Kaupapa – topic Mana – prestige Manuhiri – visitors Ngāti – slang Ngā hau e whā – the four winds
Tupāpaku – deceased body Unuhia – ceremonial cleansing before battle Wairuatanga – spirituality Whaikōrero – speech Whakatauki – proverb Whanaupani – bereaved family Whānaungatanga – close relationships Wharekai – dining hall
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